MSgt. Norris James Maxwell (Retired)

Norris James Maxwell, “Mr. Max”, was born on April 25, 1936, in Ashville, North Carolina, to the late Norris Maxwell and Jeffie Whitney Maxwell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Leonard Bradley Maxwell.

Norris was the oldest of five children. He and his siblings often told stories about growing up, the fun they had and mischief they got into. He is survived by his brothers, Samuel Maxwell (Thal), of Atwater, CA, and Ralph Maxwell, of Macon, GA and sisters, Mildred Kelly (Alonzo, decd) of Chula Vista, CA and Audrey Cleveland (Sylvester), of Raleigh, NC.

Norris, graduated from Stephens Lee High School and entered the United States Air Force on March 28, 1957. He was committed to supporting his family and love for his country. He trained as a jet aircraft mechanic and was assigned to the 1st Tactical Missile Squadron, in Bitburg Air Base, Germany from 1957 to 1960. He told anyone that would listen about Germany and the first operational BOMARC B surface to air missile from its conception in 1960 to deactivation at Langley AFB, Virginia, in 1972. In tribute to the Pioneer Missile Men of the First USAF Operational Missile Unit, Norris remained a member of the Tac Missileers Bitburg (Steinborn) (1957/1960) Matador Cruise until his passing.

Norris James met the love of his life Doris Jean and her lovely daughters Doris Linton (Sonny) of Houston, TX and Jacqueline Dickerson, of Houston, TX. Norris and Doris were married March 25, 1972, in Jonesboro, La.

On June 5, 1972, at age 35, he joined The Endowment Department of the M. W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia F. and A. Masons, Inc. in Lynchburg, VA.

Norris and family were transferred from Virginia to Vandenberg AFB.Ca in 1973. He was assigned to a Man Four Launch Crew position in an antisatellite program. Along with the family assignment came chaperoning for football games, drill team practices and sleepovers. His favorite pass time was grilling and playing music specifically, JAZZ. He helped with homework and was a very strict teacher. You learned quickly not to ask him how to spell a word or for information. It went in steps. He would say in a low voice, “try it, sound it out and get the Dictionary or encyclopedia.” We learned that you better know that lesson because he would be back to ask a question about it. Mr. Max was a part of the military circle picking up dropping off kids, meeting all the friends and their parents. He thought he had arrived at parenthood. In June of 1976, he and his wife gave birth to Fanita Maxwell, (Houston, TX).

Norris was promoted in rank and family size. Norris’s accomplishments continued. He was assigned to the 10th Aerospace Defense Squadron, the only military agency in the Department of Defense with a space launch mission. The USAF’s only all “blue -suit” space launch organization. His greatest mission was ahead of him as he juggled a new baby, two teenagers and a hospitalized wife.

Doris got better and the children finally were growing up, his focus returned to football, specifically the RAIDERS, Detroit Lions and the military. He loved football all day Saturday, all day Sunday and any other time Doris did not have him busy doing something or going somewhere.

His accomplishments continued in the 10th Aerospace with support to the Meteorological Satellite Program, and then he was assigned to 1st Strategic Aerospace Divisions, Safety Division Launch Support team controller. March 31, 1983, Norris retired as Peacekeeper Missile an assembly manager.

He was employed by Northrop Grumman and InDyne of Vandenberg AFB, CA until he decided he had officially retired to enjoy the family. When asked about his time in service he would boldly state, “26 years and three days!”

His Job was never done

Doris was hospitalized after a major stroke in 1991. Norris committed 27 years to the care and support of his wife. He showed us what love meant when he would and look into her eyes. He spent time combing her hair, reading the sell paper because she liked to shop but most of all just spending time with her.

Norris had an open heart for his girls. He was actively involved with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandpa attended and supported the grandchildren and great grandchildren’s church functions, sporting events, and pageants. He had front yard duty, went for walks and even tried his hand at basketball. He attended God family open houses, birthday gatherings and graduations.

Remembering Him

Forever remembered by his daughters, Fanita Maxwell, of Houston, TX, Jacqueline Dickerson, of Houston, TX and Doris Linton (Sonny), of Houston, TX, God-daughter, Gloria Holley-Salter, Atlanta, GA. Six grandchildren, Shauna’ Swann, Gary Swann II, Jacquelynne Dickerson, Lynn Dickerson, II, Joshua Dickerson and Trinity Maxwell. He was loved and admired by his great grandchildren Lynn Dickerson, III, Gabriel Swann, Kynnedy Dickerson. Honorary Grandchildren Diamond Richardson, Jaelyn Chapman, Thomas Richardson and host of nieces and nephews. Treasuring his memory are his Brother-in-law, Roosevelt Leonard (Ann) and Sister-in-law Marietta Leonard.

Above and Beyond

God placed Michael Kemp and his family in our lives to be our eyes, ears and California caretaker for many years. He and his family supported us through prayer, words of wisdom and sometimes even transportation. Thank you for allowing God to use you for so many years.

Sincere appreciation to Sonny Linton, his son-in-law, for his years as caretaker, transportation to appointments, praying, reading, and singing to him. Most of all, the friendship and companionship even in the nursing home. Thanks to his granddaughter, Shauna for assisting with his care, preparing special meals and treats (triple chocolate brownies). We all learned a lot and experienced things we never thought of, but accolades go to his granddaughter Jacquelynne “Neicey” who became his care taker his last months at home.

Time Well Spent

Mr. Max had very special relationships with a multitude of people who loved and looked after him and our family. Joe and Valarie Collins and family contributed to continuous love to Mr. Max. In forever memory, former Son-in-law, Lynn Dickerson (Blanca) of Houston, TX. Mrs. Schineatha Rodriguez with frequent visits and cheer, “brought you some wine, Pops!”

Special thanks to longtime friends Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Neely, Juanita Campbell and Yolanda Campbell. A special thanks goes out to Dr. Maneesh Patel and the Shan Medical Association Staff, for the care of Norris Maxwell and our family for several years. He spent his last days under the care of Windsong Care Center and Heart to Heart Hospice Care. Thanks to both organizations for supporting and caring for our family.

TRIBUTE TO OUR BROTHER

Our brother June, lives with us in our memories,

Wonderful memories that time can’t erase,

We brothers; Sam & Ralph

Remember being wrestled by our brother, June,

Skating down Hill Street as fast as humanly possible,

Using the BB gun at night in the house shooting rats,

Trips to the movies, and the scary stories we told our sisters,

To make them go home and stop following us,

After all we didn’t want them tagging along behind us.

On the other-hand we sisters; Millie & Audrey

Felt protected by our brother, June,

We knew we could count on him when anyone messed with us,

We were scared by the stories he told, The Sack Man was the scariest,

We moved to Detroit, he went to the Air Force, still he looked out for us,

At the beginning of each school year, he would send us his credit card

so, we could buy school clothes,

Once we were married and had children, he fondly referred to them as,

“curtain climbers, and ankle bitters” We still chuckle about that today.

Our brother June, was a caring, loving man, and although we didn’t see

each other often we knew we could count on him if we ever needed him,

Never shall his memory fade, forever in our hearts he lives each day.

From Neicey:

This is how I'll remember this amazing man... my baby's favorite story teller! He loved her so much and was so patient! I'll also remember how quick and witty he was, even until the end! I mean he would have the greatest comebacks for anyone who tried him! And at the heart of it, still the gentlest giant there was! I was blessed to quit work in February and stay home to care for him up until a couple months ago. We had to have a routine, but some days I'd stray, and we would go at his pace. And when we did, I learned so much more about his past! It was amazing! He's been a part of every major milestone of my entire life, but I have never felt closer to him than I did this year! I will forever miss him. To my cousins and brothers, he confirmed his last week, with my last visit with him, barely lucid, that I AM and will Always be the Favorite! Rest peacefully

Grandpa you deserve it!

From Mister: For Grandpa...

You were my connection to the past

The life you knew before

And the man was a force

A guide a protector

A love provider

There was a man who

Stood in gaps

Delivered a home

A life to be proud of

To be envied and adored

A life to endure

To see the end

and make sure

you were there

From Shauna’:

God Saw You Getting Tired

Unknown Author

God saw you getting tired

and a cure was not to be

so he put his arms around you

and whispered,

“Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we watched you

and saw you slipping away

and although we love you dearly

we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating

hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best.

The boys and I will miss you, but we will hold you in our hearts. I know you will be looking down on us. We love you Grandpa Max!

He confirmed every day that I am his “FAVORITE”! 

To Our Dad,

Daddy it seems like yesterday when we were little girls and called you Mr. Turkey. Thank you for the unconditional love you shared with each of us. Your lessons in loyalty, perseverance, and strength armed us with the tools to be successful. We love you and will miss you!

Doris and Jackie

To My Dad,

Thank you for always being there for me in every way you could and showing me, I was loved at every turn. Thank you for setting an example of the kind of man I should let into my life. Thank you for loving my Mother the way you did, setting yet another example of how I should be treated; I can say I know what real love looks like first-hand because of you two. Thank you for not being perfect, showing me that I don't have to be. Thank you for never judging my mistakes, even the big ones. Thank you for loving Trinity the way you did, every time she writes her name, she'll know how much her grandpa loved her. Thank you for sharing the love of Jazz and Raiders football with me. I will always remember what you told me..."you girls stay together and take care of the baby." My life will never be the same without you Daddy, but I am so very grateful to God that he chose you to be my father.

Bye Handsome, I'll see you later.

Love Always,

Buntin

P.s. Make sure your cape is on straight.

"The Airmen and his Lady now both rest in Peace"